Ask anyone for their idea of an iconic train, and the answer will always be the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This famous train has seen many iterations in its history, but currently it runs as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, run by Belmond, and still retaining its Golden Age charm that has enthralled passengers for many years.

Sometimes, it is absolutely incredible to think about civilisations that no longer exist today - and even more incredible to think that relics from those times actually exist and are able to be seen and visited. Here are some of our favourite examples of ancient civilisations around the world.

It’s 10.32 in the morning and I’m sat beneath the leafy boughs of a Portuguese arbour, sipping on delicate green wine made with grapes harvested from the very vineyard I’m looking out over. This is how life is in the Douro Valley, and with so many quintas to choose from you might as well start early and visit as many as possible.

Cruising is one of the most popular ways to see the world, and why not? With the joy of comfortable travel, views available from your window, and delightful ports of call along the way, it's the next-best thing to rail travel!